Page 72 of Forever Fascinating

“Me too,” he replied, taking another sip and biting into a piece of potato, dropping some on his chin, before reaching for a napkin. “I think I need some water. This stuff is incredibly strong. What is this?”

“Ouzo!” someone called out, holding up their glass, as others in the restaurant cheered loudly. “Ouzo!”

Jana and Matthew looked at each other, laughing, before holding up their glasses. “Ouzo!” they cheered, before falling into fits of giggles and taking bites of their food.

The waiter came by to check on them – and started to bring them another glass of alcohol and Jana quickly said, ‘No’ stopping him.

She wasn’t exactly sure what Matthew ordered and knew he didn’t know, but they would have to walk up a flight of stairs in order to get back to their room… and having four glasses of Ouzo wasnotgoing to allow that to happen.

“We are breaking rule number three… or was it number four?” she laughed, wagging a finger at him, where Matthew sat across from her, still chuckling as if he was amused by something she didn’t know. Picking up her glass, she took another sip and shook her head.

“I think I’m finished eating… and drinking.”

“Me too.”

“Let’s pay and get out of here,” she said, raising her hand like she was in high school waiting to get selected by a teacher – which made Matthew burst out laughing happily.

Ten minutes later, Matthew’s arm was draped over her shoulders, and she wrapped her arm around his waist as they walked through the crowded streets to the hotel.

Walking inside, they shushed each other drunkenly, before climbing up the stairs, among muffled giggles and laughter. As they got to their room, she dug out her key from her purse, and opened the door.

Matthew immediately went to the balcony, opening the doors and his profile was beautiful, so relaxed, as he leaned on the railing.

Kicking off her sneakers, she padded out onto the balcony beside him, wrapping an arm around his back and laying her head on his shoulder. He sighed happily, sounding so content in this moment.

“I’m so…” Matthew began and hesitated. “I don’t have a word good enough to describe it, you know?”

“Me too,” she smiled, giving him a gentle hug.

“Do you want the bathroom first so you can get ready for bed?” he began. “I was thinking maybe tomorrow we could investigate a little farther out or dare the beach. It got a little warm today and we might be alright.”

“I’m good with anything,” she admitted. “And yes – I’ll change first.”

Standing up, she walked off and picked up her pajamas from where she’d put them this morning. Changing quickly, she brushed her teeth and hair, pulling the ponytail out, before sighing, feeling completely relaxed.

As she entered the bedroom, she heard a faint snore and saw that Matthew had fallen asleep on the bed, completely dressed. He looked so beautiful lying there peacefully.

Closing the balcony doors, she made sure that the hotel room door was secured, and then climbed into the bed… before moving the bolster into place with a heavy sigh.

CHAPTER20

VAPOR

Matthew’s watchstarted to go off, having adjusted the alarm from five-thirty in the morning to eight since he was on leave for a few days. It felt so nice to sleep in and not rush to scramble for the showers, mess hall, and report for duty.

Slowly, he opened his eyes… and stared.

The bolster was gone.

It had fallen off the bed or was removed sometime during the night. He didn’t mind in the slightest because it blocked his view of her – and that was all it accomplished… and that view was spectacular.

Jana lay beside him, sound asleep.

The sunlight was streaming in, making her hair almost glow, as her face was turned towards him, serene in slumber. She was so incredibly lovely on the inside and outside that he knew he was falling for her. The way she laughed at him, spent time with him walking around town, and her open way she just lived life, was incredible.

He was such a weak man, too.

Last night, he found himself feeling his pockets for his cigarettes, something he hadn’t done in months. Whatever that crazy sweet drink was last night, it was potent. He’d broke one of their rules, ending up tipsy in some strange city and falling asleep in his clothes…

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